Honored with lei at the Police Commissioner meeting yesterday, James Miller, a Kaua‘i police officer, was commended for turning a routine traffic violation stop into a fruitful arrest. The catch yielded him an “employee of the month” title for February.
Honored with lei at the Police Commissioner meeting yesterday, James Miller, a Kaua‘i police officer, was commended for turning a routine traffic violation stop into a fruitful arrest. The catch yielded him an “employee of the month” title for February.
Miller demonstrated “courageous action” when he pursued a driver who tried to elude him, officials said. Miller’s initial intention was to pull the driver over for a seatbelt violation.
Miller had attempted to pull the vehicle over on Feb. 6, however, the driver refused to stop.
Rather than cause a high-speed chase, Miller opted to follow the vehicle without endangering others on the road. Though he temporarily lost sight of the car in question, he was able to locate it on Kuamo‘o Road shortly thereafter.
Miller then found the suspect in the back yard of a residence, where he ordered the suspect to stop. After a short pursuit on-foot, Jason Overmyer, a fellow officer, caught up with him.
“This guy wouldn’t have been caught without Overmyer,” Miller said. “I had a lot of help.”
The suspect, Kekoa Jonathan Kekolopua Krueger, 28, of Hanapepe, was charged with nine offenses in relation to the arrest. The offenses include, third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug (three counts), resisting arrest, resisting an order to stop, possession of drug paraphernalia (three counts) and reckless driving.
Police said they confiscated a glass pipe and plastic bag that tested positive for methamphetamine in Krueger’s possession.
• Amanda C. Gregg, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or agregg@kauaipubco.com.
